Best Place to Workout in the East End

The Climbing Wall in Point Breeze is the best place to workout in the East End. It is a rock climbing gym with over 14,000 sq. ft. of climbing surface located on Penn Avenue. Rock climbing  is a great way to have fun and get in shape while you challenge yourself each time you climb.

The gym features a bouldering area, top-roping area, and leading area.The bouldering area has 8,000 sq. ft. of vertical, over-hanging, aretes, and slab climbing with difficulty ranging from VB, or very easy, to V10, which is very difficult. The bouldering area is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The top-roping area has 15 walls to climb between 15-30 feet high. There are 4 vertical walls, 4 slab walls, and 7 over-hanging walls ranging in difficulty from 5.5, or easy, to 12, or very difficult. The top-roping area is open Monday-Friday from 5-10:45 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 12-5:45 p.m. You must be certified in belaying techniques to use this climbing area.

The leading area has 8 leadable walls: 3 vertical, 4 over-hanging and a radical over-hanging wall that extends across the ceiling 50 feet. The leading area ranges in difficulty from 5.5, or easy, to 12, or extremely advanced.The leading area is open Monday-Friday from 5-10:45 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 12-5:45 p.m. You must be certified in belaying techniques and leading techniques to use this climbing area.

The Climbing Wall offers a variety of rock climbing classes and certifications, such as safety and belay certification, refresher courses, lead climbing certification, and experienced climber certifications. Most classes take place on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights. Private classes are by appointment only.

An all day climbing pass costs $12 for adults and $10 for youth, college students, and active military. Climbing equipment rentals such as shoes, chalk, and belay harnesses are all available for under $5.

For more information, call the gym at 412-247-7334.

The History of Frick Park

The History of Frick Park on Dipity.

Enjoy the Arts in the East End

Visit the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts in the Point Breeze/Shadyside area of the East End. It is a place to learn about and support art.

Visit to see an exhibition from a local artist or to take a class.The center has many different art classes for all ages and abilities. They even have seasonal classes for some art over a holiday break.

Personality Quiz: Which East End eatery should you visit?

Take the quiz to find out which restaurant you would like!

Best Toy Store in the East End

Shadyside Variety Store in Shadyside is the best place to purchase toys and novelties in the East End. The store sells classic games, new toys, and fun puzzles.

This toy store is the perfect place to find a last-minute holiday gift. Buy them their favorite childhood game!

Photo Courtesy of pittsburghsigns.com

Uncle Sam's Sandwich Bar in the East End

Uncle Sam's Sandwich Bar in Squirrel Hill and Oakland is an owner-operated sandwich shop that uses local ingredients. Their sandwiches are some of the best in Pittsburgh.

They have a ton of different types of subs, including many vegetarian options. They also have my favorite, sweet potato fries. Be modest when ordering fries, their servings are huge-enough to share with two other people! The subs are big too, so visit while very hungry.

Photo Courtesy of eatinginpittsburgh.com

Winter Activities in the East End

Play in the snow at Frick Park in Point Breeze. Take a walk in a winter wonderland at the park this season. Who says playing in the snow is just for kids? It's the perfect place to make your first snow angel of the season or to host a snowball fight.

Enjoy the cold weather this weekend. After, go home and snuggle up with a cup of hot chocolate and your favorite holiday movie.

Photo Courtesy of post-gazette.com

Best Card Shop in the East End

Kards Unlimited is a family owned card shop in Shadyside. The shop features gifts for children and adults, books, T-shirts, and holiday items.

Purchase bacon-flavored lip balm for your husband as a stocking stuffer or the Crazy Cat Lady boardgame for your mother. From the holiday card to the gift wrap, this shop has everything you need to shop for the holidays, even ornaments!
Photo Courtesy of onlyinpgh.com

Best Restaurant for Brunch in the East End

Point Brugge Cafe in Point Breeze is the best place to eat brunch in the East End. The restaurant offers a prix fixe brunch with breakfast items such as belgian waffles, Gran Marnier french toast, and eggs benedict.

It opens at 11 a.m. on Sunday for brunch, but be sure to get there early because they do not take reservations and usually there is a line waiting for it to open by 10:45 a.m. I was lucky to get the very last table the first time I went for brunch. It was delicious and I'd like to go back soon for their specialty, Mussels and Frites served with basil mayonnaise.

Photo Courtesy of WPXI.com

Best Greek Food in the East End

The Greek Gourmet on Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill has the best gyro I've ever had in my life. It's mind-blowing. I can't even begin to describe how incredible their gyros are.

Best Consignment Shop in the East End

The Avalon Exchange on Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill.









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Dig Through Antique Stores in the East End

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Go to the Art Museum in the East End

The Carnegie Museum of Art on Forbes Avenue in Oakland

Best Place to Find Unique Dresses in the East End

Hiptique on Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside is a great place to find unique dresses. This little store also sells bags, jewelery,and home decor.

The prices range from affordable to not-so-affordable, but you can always find an interesting piece to purchase at the end of the day. I always have good luck on the clearance rack and the jewelery case. I also think it's a great place if you are looking to buy a gift.








Photo Courtesy of http://pittsburghsigns.org/archives/shadyside/

Best Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurant in the East End

The Quiet Storm on Penn Avenue in Friendship is the best vegetarian-friendly restaurant in the East End. The restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan fare in a relaxed coffee house-like setting.

This restaurant has some of the best hummus I have had, and they have a really delicious vegetarian gyro burrito. There is a coffee bar in the middle of the restaurant that has many different options, complete with tea and vegan cookies.

They have a table set up for people who want to come alone to work on their laptops, with free wi-fi and plenty of outlets. The overall atmosphere is very cozy and relaxed. I love to go here if I need a good cup of coffee and a snack while I study.

Photo Courtesy of pghroots.com

Dance in the East End

Dance Alloy Theater on Penn Avenue in Friendship always has an ongoing dance class or  performance throughout each week.

The school offers ballet, modern, hip hop, salsa, and merengue classes for all ages and levels of experience. Private classes are also available. They even offer a grown-up and me dance class for toddlers. Classes run in three major sessions in spring, summer, and fall.

Photo Courtesy of Jane Vranish

Designer Consignment Shop in the East End

Designer Days Boutique on Ellsworth in Shadyside is a unique women's consignment shop with designer brands. I normally shop there for jewelery because they always have some good pieces. Just last week, I found a beautiful plum satin Marc Jacobs top which didn't fit me-I was devastated. But, I bought a pair of pretty chandelier earrings and soon got over the disappointment.

DDB always has a huge clearance section, which there are normally good finds. They also have many shelves of designer jeans and shoes as well. This little shop is definitely worth checking out if you are ever in the area.

Photo Courtesy of designerdaysboutique.com

Best Cupcakes in the East End

Vanilla Pastry Studio on Centre Avenue in East Liberty is the best place to get cupcake in the East End. My favorite are the chocolate-espresso cupcakes that they have often, which are topped with a chocolate-covered espresso bean. 


The shop always has new flavors and different seasonal flavors that you can choose from. You can stop in for a pastry and coffee in the morning and pick up a cupcake for a snack while you're there.




Photo Courtesy of debbieweil.com

Make your own Holiday Ornaments in the East End

The Pittsburgh Glass Center always has an interesting array of classes to try. From bead-making to glassware, there is always a new class to keep you coming back.

Around the holidays, there are a few different classes called Make-It-Now that only take a few short hours. These classes are less expensive and you get to pick up your creation a couple days afterward. There are glass pumpkin classes and ornament making classes for those who want to make a holiday gift for someone special.

Photo Courtesy of blog.glassquarterly.com

Vintage Shop in the East End

Eons on Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside is a great place to look for vintage finds. They always have a lot of different things in stock, especially jewelery. Once, I tried on a pair of vintage Manolo's and was very sad when they were a size too small. 

Around Halloween, they always get in some vintage costumes and have them on a rack out front. I always have a good time trying on some of the crazy things that you can find in there.

Photo Courtesy of boringpittsburgh.com

Best Ice Cream Shop in the East End

The best place to get ice cream in the East End is at Oh Yeah! Ice Cream and Coffee on S. Highland in East Liberty. This ice cream shop doesn't just have ice cream, they also have specialty coffees and homemade waffles.

Choose from a chalkboard full of ingredients to add to your ice cream or milkshake, such as vanilla wafers, figs, granola, and even bacon. You can create your very own personalized flavor. There are also soy ice cream options and vegan options to choose from. I once tried soy green tea ice cream with chopped figs on top-and it was incredible.

The ice cream shop offers free wi-fi, discount punch cards for frequent customers, and have movie nights in the summer. Oh Yeah! is in my opinion, the best and most unique ice cream shop in the East End.



 Photo Courtesy of bakingdomesticityallthingsmini.blogspot.com

 

Halloween Party in the East End

  

Photo Courtesy of www.pvhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us

Halloween is fun-especially in the East End. Many of the restaurants and bars have costume contests and Halloween festivities. If you don't want to go out for Halloween, have a party! If you don't want to take on the responsibility of hosting a party, attend one! It's that easy.

What's your Favorite Place to go in the East End?

Adventures in the East End Audio sound clip

Walk Around the East End

Take a walk through your neighborhood now that the air is cool and the leaves have changed. You might discover things that would have driven past in your car.  Relax and enjoy the fresh air while getting some exercise.

Host a Clothes Swap

Photo Courtesy of www.cambridgetab.co.uk

Now that the seasons are changing-it's time to clean out your closet. What better way to do so than to gather all of your friends for a clothing swap? Have some snacks, music, and lug all of the things you don't want to your friends house and revamp your wardrobe.

The Newest Restaurant in the East End: Salt of the Earth

I recently went to Salt of the Earth in Garfield with some friends. It had a very cozy atmosphere with family-style tables taking up the dining area. We decided to go on a whim, so we ended up eating at the bar since we didn't have time to wait for a table. It was delicious. I had the fish with butternut squash, which was very good, but the pork belly with pretzel polenta was incredible.

The Best Place to Grocery Shop in the East End

Photo Courtesy of Robin Rombach

Trader Joe's is a grocery store located in East Liberty where you can finds foods free of artificial colors, preservatives, flavors and MSG. This is my favorite place to shop because I don't have to push through masses of people and wait in the self-checkout line for 30 minutes. Also, I try to eat mostly all-natural or organic foods and at this store, that's all that is available. I love not having to read labels when I'm shopping for food, it helps me to feel like I'm eating actual food and not chemicals.

The Best Sandwiches in the East End

I recently ordered from Spak Brothers for the first time. It was incredible. I had a meatball hoagie and the Pittsburgh steak sandwich, both of which were delicious. The Pittsburgh was the most amazing thing I've ever had. it's like Primanti's on crack. It had steak, fries, hot peppers, mushroom, grilled onion, green pepper, egg, provolone, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. Incredible.

Best Pizza in Pittsburgh

And now, to reveal my favorite place to eat pizza in Pittsburgh. Pizza Sola in East Liberty is hands down the best slice of pizza that I have ever had in my entire life. From the creative toppings to the huge slices, I can't resist the temptation of a slice.The only negative thing that I could ever say is that they don't deliver, but it's definitely worth the drive.

Best Vintage Store in the East End

This is my favorite vintage store ever! Hey Betty in Shadyside on Ellsworth Avenue always has affordable and wearable vintage fashions. Last week, I found an amazing white fuzzy hat with a big rhinestone brooch on the side. I can't wait until it gets colder so that I can wear it!

Dog-Friendly Parks in the East End

One of my favorite dog-friendly parks in the East End is Baum Grove in Friendship. I take my dog down here for walks sometimes. There is plenty of space to play fetch and for your dog to run around. It is also a peaceful place to sit down and enjoy the sun with your dog. If you bring chess pieces, you can sit at one of the tables and play with a friend.

Best Thrift Store in the East End

The Goodwill on Penn Circle in East Liberty is hands down the best Goodwill that I have ever visited. I go in about every other week and always find interesting things.

A few of my favorite things that I have purchased there are: a Harvard sweatshirt, a record of The Sound of Music, a flower pin, and a pair of BCBG heels that I found for $4.

Stop in and check it out-but make sure that you have time to browse or you will be sure to miss a good find! The store is open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. through 7 p.m., on Saturday 9 a.m. through 7 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m.through 5 p.m.

Elephants at the Pittsburgh Zoo

I recently went to the Pittsburgh zoo with my sisters and nephew. Sure, it was the zoo and it was exciting and the animals were adorable, but the other animals were cast in the shadow of the elephants.

That day, as we were passing the elephant sanctuary, they were allowing people to pet the elephants! For $10, you could get a picture standing next to one of the elephants. All benefits proceeded to elephant conservation.

If you haven't pet an elephant before, they are a lot hairier than they seem. He flapped his ears when I was petting him! It was a great experience!

The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. during the Septmber 7th-December 31st fall season.

Best Delivery Pizza in the East End

I love pizza. Period. So when I moved to Pittsburgh three years ago, I was on a search for the best pizza in the East End. After multiple recommendations from multiple people, I came across Pizza Parma in Shadyside.

Pizza Parma is located on South Highland Avenue in Shadyside. They are open from 10 a.m.-1 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday and from 10 a.m.-2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. They offer pizza, wings, hoagies, gyros, salads, calzones, etc. and offer different specials every week. I normally take advantage of the Monday and Tuesday special: a large pizza and breadsticks for $10.99.

I've never been inside the shop, I always have it delivered to my apartment in Friendship. It may not be the "oh-my-god-best-pizza-I've-eaten-in-my-entire-life" pizza, but it's my delicious everyday pizza. Not that I eat pizza every day...But we'll get to my "special day" pizza next week.